It’s good to be back on the coast path. The plan is nine days of hiking to Barrow-in-Furness, within sight of the Lake District, passing through several towns and cities, which means no camping. The forecast is for scorching weather. Southport Pier extends over an arid desert.
A long cycle track leads to a series of embankments skirting Banks Marsh and Hesketh Out Marsh. A bird hide provides respite from the sun and a chance to use my binoculars for once — I’ve plenty of space without my camping gear — to watch an avocet with its chicks.
The highlight of the afternoon is walking through a mist of cool water drifting from a crop sprayer — at least I hope it’s water. The low part is being bitten by horseflies, out in force this year.
The path is easy to follow until I lose my way in a boatyard near Hesketh Bank and end up on the road into Tarleton. Time for an ice-cold can of coke to roll across my forehead before catching the bus back to Southport.
Next day
Today is another short 13-mile hike, which is no bad thing in this heat, giving me a chance to build up to the longer days to follow. The Ribble Way crosses several fields. Strange creatures lurk in the trees.
The River Ribble leads me to Preston. The roar of rally bikes and clouds of dust rise above the trees on the far bank. The sheep are smart, lying in the shade. Smarter than me.
The town features several attractive bridges, although a pair of Jehovah’s Witnesses are stationed by each footbridge — targeting the wrong guy.
I cross over the river into lovely Avenham Park.
The fountain is tempting.
There’s a Japanese garden shown on the park map, so I make a small detour and it’s worth it.
A woman is relaxing on a bench. She comes here every day. “A little oasis in Preston.”
There’s plenty of time to explore the town. The Wallace and Gromit Wrong Trousers statue is an unexpected find. Their creator, Nick Park, was born here. Three elderly ladies are sitting on the bench, so I only manage to squeeze in a shot of Gromit. They offer to move but that seems a bit much to ask.
I find a couple of pub-end murals, but why Squid Game?
My Travelodge window has a view of the perimeter wall of HM Prison Preston — definitely not mentioned on the website — but the shower is cool and welcome.
Walk distance: 26 miles.
Total distance: 3,179 miles.